2 Die from Heart Attacks While Shoveling Snow amid Winter Storm in Upstate New York

"The extra exertion to shovel snow can cause too much stress on the heart," warned the commissioner of the Erie County Department of Health

Danielle Jennings
·2-min read
AP Photo/Cara Anna Heavy snow falls in Lowville, N.Y., Thursday, Dec. 5.

AP Photo/Cara Anna

Heavy snow falls in Lowville, N.Y., Thursday, Dec. 5.

Two people died in upstate New York after an extreme winter storm impacted a large portion of the northeast.

Authorities confirmed that two people, who have not yet been publicly identified, suffered fatal heart attacks “while shoveling or snow blowing” in Erie County in New York,  according to the Erie County Department of Health. No further information about the two deaths was provided.

Representatives from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

“Shoveling snow during cold weather can be extremely dangerous for some individuals, especially those with high blood pressure or have any type of cardiac history, even if controlled on medication," Erie County Department of Health, Dr. Gale Burstein, said in a news release.

AP Photo/Cara Anna A snowplow on rounds in Lowville, N.Y., on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. The region is cleaning up after feet of snow.

AP Photo/Cara Anna

A snowplow on rounds in Lowville, N.Y., on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. The region is cleaning up after feet of snow.

Related: At Least 6 Dead After Winter Storm Finn Slams Midwest, East Coast with Snow, Rain and Tornadoes

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Burstein cautioned that activities like shoveling snow are taxing on the heart, specifically for those over the age of 50.

“When the snow is heavy because it is so wet, the combination of cold temperatures and the extra exertion to shovel snow can cause too much stress on the heart," she said. "In addition, walking on ice is extremely dangerous."

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Snow squalls, defined as sudden bursts of large amounts of snow and intense winds, were responsible for the northeastern storm that has steadily continued since Thanksgiving weekend, according to the Associated Press.

Related: Stunning Photos of Cities Covered in Snow After Winter Storm Orlena Hit the Northeast and Midwest

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The National Weather Service said that “hazardous weather conditions” will continue to impact the western New York area through the morning of Saturday, Dec. 7.

AP Photo/Cara Anna A bus travels on snow-covered roads in Lowville, N.Y., on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. More snow has been falling on areas that have received feet of it in recent days.

AP Photo/Cara Anna

A bus travels on snow-covered roads in Lowville, N.Y., on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. More snow has been falling on areas that have received feet of it in recent days.

To further inform residents of the extreme conditions and to lessen injuries and fatalities, the Erie County Department of Senior Services offered a few tips to tackle the snowy and icy conditions – including warming up before shoveling, using a small shovel and shoveling in intervals.

“Safely increase your heart rate, and increase flexibility in the joints and muscles that you’ll be using,” their statement read. “Shoveling frequently, will help avoid having heavier loads to remove…only shovel for a maximum of 15-20 minutes at a time.”

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